Celebrate Nagaland’s vibrant tribal heritage at the Hornbill Festival 2025 in Kisama. Experience cultural dances, indigenous sports, traditional music, and local crafts in one of India’s most colorful festivals. After the festival, explore Nagaland’s stunning destinations like:
Step into the vibrant world of Nagaland at the Hornbill Festival 2025, happening from December 1 to 10 at Kisama Heritage Village, near Kohima. Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” this spectacular event brings together all of Nagaland’s major tribes to showcase their rich culture, heritage, and traditions.
Named after the majestic hornbill bird, a revered symbol in Naga folklore, the Hornbill Festival Nagaland is a cultural extravaganza featuring traditional dance, tribal music, indigenous sports, craft exhibitions, storytelling, and the high-energy Hornbill Music Festival. From warrior performances to Morung-style village displays and a colorful night carnival, every moment immerses you in the spirit of Nagaland tourism.
Perfect for culture lovers, photographers, and explorers, this is your chance to experience the best of Nagaland travel in one place. Whether you're planning a solo trip to Nagaland, exploring Nagaland tour packages, or simply looking for a unique festival experience in India Hornbill Festival 2025 offers a powerful blend of tradition, hospitality, and celebration.
The Hornbill Festival 2025 is your gateway to the vibrant and soulful heart of Northeast India. Held in the scenic hills of Kohima, Nagaland, this annual celebration brings together all 17 major tribes of Nagaland, showcasing their unique heritage, traditional attire, folk dances, and indigenous games.
Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” the Hornbill Festival India is named after the revered hornbill bird, which is deeply respected in Naga folklore. Initiated by the Nagaland Government in 2000 to promote Nagaland tourism, the festival has since become one of India's most sought-after cultural extravaganzas. Whether you're planning a hornbill festival tour package or a budget trip to Nagaland, this festival offers a rich immersion into tribal traditions, music, craft, and cuisine.
From energetic war dances to soulful folk songs, from local rice beer tastings to intricate handwoven textiles this is more than just a festival. It’s a cultural revival, a celebration of identity, and an open invitation to discover a world beyond the ordinary.
Mark your calendars! The Hornbill Festival 2025 will take place from December 1st to December 10th, 2025, at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, just 12 km from Kohima. The cultural programs generally begin around 9:00 AM and continue till 4:00 PM each day. The Hornbill Night Carnival, a highlight of the event, comes alive from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM with dazzling stalls, music, food, and traditional games under starlit skies.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early each day to catch the full lineup of performances, which vary daily and include tribe-specific showcases, musical concerts, indigenous sports competitions, and more. If you're planning a hornbill festival trip, consider reaching Kohima by November 30 to settle in and get the best of this immersive experience.
Every day at the Hornbill Festival Nagaland is an invitation to step into another world. Here’s what you can look forward to during your Nagaland trip:
Whether you're a culture lover, photographer, solo traveler, or just looking for an offbeat adventure, the Hornbill Festival tour is your passport to tribal stories, soulful landscapes, and unforgettable memories.
Welcome to India! Your journey begins in Kolkata, the cultural capital of India. Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will meet and escort you to your hotel. Once the British capital of India, Kolkata blends colonial charm with vibrant street life. After check-in, you can choose to relax or take a short walk around the neighborhood to get a feel of the city’s eclectic vibe. From colonial-era architecture to the aroma of street food, Kolkata offers a fitting prelude to your Hornbill adventure.
After breakfast, embark on a full-day city tour exploring Kolkata’s landmarks. Visit the Howrah Bridge, a marvel of engineering and a symbol of the city’s resilience. At Mother Teresa’s Mother House, pay tribute to her humanitarian legacy. Drive past the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral and step into history at the grand Victoria Memorial, built in white marble as a tribute to Queen Victoria. End your day at Prinsep Ghat, watching the sunset by the Hooghly River, a perfect moment of calm before heading into the northeast hills.
Take a morning flight to Dimapur, your gateway to Nagaland. From there, drive through lush green hills to reach Kohima, the capital of Nagaland and home to the Angami tribe. Stop for a local lunch and visit bustling markets in Dimapur for a taste of authentic Naga life. As you ascend into the mountains, enjoy scenic views and learn about the origin of Kohima’s name, from the native flowering plant ‘Kewhi.’ Check into your hotel and relax in the cool mountain air.
Dive straight into the heart of the Hornbill Festival 2025 at Kisama Heritage Village. This grand cultural gathering of Nagaland’s 17 major tribes showcases their vibrant dances, warrior chants, traditional attire, and crafts. Capture colorful moments, enjoy tribal cuisines, and interact with locals. In the evening, head to the Hornbill Night Carnival, streets lined with lights, music, food stalls, and local art. It’s a feast for the senses and the perfect start to your cultural deep-dive.
Spend the morning exploring more of the Hornbill Festival activities. Visit tribal Morungs (traditional huts) and witness martial arts, archery, and storytelling sessions. After lunch, take an excursion to Khonoma Village, India’s first green village, known for its eco-conscious efforts and valiant history. Learn about the Angami warriors, local conservation projects, and sustainable tourism practices. En route back, visit the poignant World War II Cemetery in Kohima, a peaceful memorial site etched with powerful epitaphs.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting land of Nagaland and drive back to Dimapur. Board your flight to Kolkata and check into your hotel upon arrival. Spend the evening at leisure or go shopping for souvenirs at local bazaars. Reflect on your incredible journey—from the urban pulse of Kolkata to the tribal heartbeat of Nagaland.
After breakfast, our team will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. Depart with a camera full of memories, a suitcase full of souvenirs, and a heart full of stories from the land of the Hornbill.
PER PERSON COST IN USD | |
---|---|
Number of people traveling together | 3 Star hotels |
2 Pax | USD 999 |
4 Pax | USD 766 |
6 Pax | USD 585 |
Single room supplement | USD 253 |
Airfare: Kolkata - Dimapur - Kolkata | USD 253 |
Hotels | Kolkata: Astor |
Kohima: Crescent International |
The Hornbill Festival 2025, held in the vibrant state of Nagaland, is more than just a cultural celebration, it's a deep dive into the heart of Northeast India’s tribal traditions, food, music, and vibrant energy. If you’re planning a Hornbill Festival trip or considering a budget trip to Nagaland, here are the most exciting and immersive experiences you should not miss:
The Hornbill Festival is renowned for showcasing the soul of Naga culture through powerful folk dances, ceremonial songs, and rhythmic drumming by various Naga tribes. The Hornbill Music Festival, a highlight event, draws contemporary rock and indie bands from all over the country and abroad, creating a blend of old and new that’s unique to Nagaland tourism.
Each tribe constructs its traditional "morung" (youth dormitory) where you can explore indigenous architecture, view handwoven textiles, tribal symbols, and interact with local artisans. These morungs are the heart of the Hornbill Festival location and are key to understanding the legacy of Nagaland’s many tribes.
No Hornbill Festival tour is complete without indulging in local food. From smoked pork and bamboo shoot dishes to sticky rice and chili chutneys, the festival grounds offer a gastronomic adventure. Sample delicacies like “Zutho” (a local rice beer) and smoked meats at tribal kitchens or street stalls for an authentic Naga culinary experience.
Support local artisans by purchasing traditional Naga jewelry, handmade shawls, wood carvings, cane and bamboo items, and other crafts. These items make for great souvenirs and reflect the vibrant craftsmanship of Naga communities. Many Nagaland tour packages include time for shopping at the Kisama village or Kohima market.
Engage in or observe unique tribal sports such as Naga wrestling, archery contests, and indigenous martial arts. These games are both entertaining and deeply rooted in the cultural ethos of the Naga tribes.
Every evening during the Hornbill Festival, the main street of Kohima comes alive with a night carnival. Bright lights, street food, music, traditional games, and bustling market stalls make it a must-visit for anyone on a Hornbill Festival trip.
Take short trips to sites like the World War II Cemetery, Dzukou Valley (a trekker’s paradise), and Khonoma Green Village, a model of sustainable tourism and community-led conservation. These sites offer a peaceful escape and a deeper look into Nagaland’s natural and historical heritage.
During the festival, many elders and tribal leaders share stories of their ancestors, folk tales, and rituals passed down through generations. It’s a rare chance to hear first-hand the oral histories that form the backbone of Naga identity.
Various Nagaland tourism booths and NGO-led programs host hands-on sessions where visitors can try weaving, pottery, or even cooking traditional recipes. These experiences are perfect for curious travelers looking for an immersive cultural connection.
The Hornbill Festival offers vibrant photo ops, from colorfully dressed tribes to festive parades and panoramic landscapes. Many Nagaland tour operators even offer photography-focused packages for enthusiasts.
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17N / 18D
Delhi – Dimapur – Kohima – Jorhat – Majuli – Kaziranga – Bhalukpong – Dirang – Tawang – Bomdila – Tezpur – Shillong – Mawlynnong – Dawki – Cherrapunjee – Guwahati – Delhi
11N / 12D
Kathmandu - Pokhara - Chitwan - Pokhara - Dhampas - Pokhara - Kathmandu
9N / 10D
Kathmandu - Nagarkot - Pokhara - Chitwan
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